RECOGNIZING ARKANSAS MISSION OF MERCY DENTAL CLINIC

On 2026-04-20, Representative J. French Hill (R-AR-2) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING ARKANSAS MISSION OF MERCY DENTAL CLINIC" in the House. The speech addressed the economy and also covered trade policy.

RECOGNIZING ARKANSAS MISSION OF MERCY DENTAL CLINIC

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 69 (Monday, April 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 69 (Monday, April 20, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2964-H2965] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING ARKANSAS MISSION OF MERCY DENTAL CLINIC (Mr. Hill of Arkansas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary work of the Arkansas Mission of Mercy dental clinic and its executive director, my good friend, Dr. Terry Fiddler of Conway, Arkansas. For more than 20 years, including just last weekend, Arkansas Mission of Mercy has provided free, high-quality dental care for families who would otherwise go without. Each year in Conway, hundreds of Arkansans line up in the early morning hours, some arriving before 3 a.m., for the chance to receive care. Throughout these annual clinics, Mission of Mercy has served more than 28,000 patients and delivered over $23 million in free dental services across our State. This effort is powered by more than 800 volunteers, including dozens of dentists, hygienists, and medical professionals who give their time to serve their neighbors. Dr. Fiddler and the Arkansas Mission of Mercy are not just restoring smiles. They are restoring dignity, health, and quality of life for thousands of Arkansans. I thank Dr. Fiddler and his team for their years of service to our State. Importance of Financial Literacy Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the importance of financial literacy. April is National Financial Literacy Month, and it is worth pausing to recognize why it matters so much to our families. Every day, Americans make decisions that shape their financial future: how to save, how to budget, how to plan for the unexpected. These choices have lasting consequences, and yet, too many people navigate them without the right tools or knowledge. As a former community banker and investment adviser, helping Arkansans understand their finances and plan for a secure future was one of the most rewarding chapters in my career. The basics are simple but powerful. Live within your means. Save for that rainy day. Take advantage of compound interest. Plan ahead. It is never too early or too late to learn about financial literacy. If you don't know where to start, reach out to your local bank, financial adviser, or financial planner in your community. When Americans have the confidence and knowledge to manage their money well, they are better positioned for long-term success. Honoring John Purifoy Gill Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and extraordinary legacy of a true Arkansas leader, John Purifoy Gill, who passed away last month at the age of 89. John was a decorated marine, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, and a distinguished attorney who helped shape Arkansas law for decades. From serving as a delegate to the Arkansas Constitutional Convention to leading the Arkansas Bar Association, his impact on our legal community is lasting and profound. But John's leadership extended well beyond the law. He was a historian, a preservationist, and a storyteller, who dedicated his life to capturing the spirit of the Natural State. His books, his work with our State Parks Commission, and his deep involvement in historic preservation ensured that Arkansas' story would be told and long remembered. I had the privilege of working closely with him to honor Scipio A. Jones where John's research and advocacy were instrumental in placing this foundational and incredibly important attorney's portrait in the Little Rock post office that now bears his name. John was a dear friend and a trusted voice. I loved our collaboration in historic preservation, outdoor recreation, and public service. He leaves behind not just an extraordinary professional legacy but a loving family, a stronger Arkansas, and a standard of service that will continue to guide us. Honoring Alan Greenspan Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize that last month on March 6, Alan Greenspan celebrated his centennial, 100 years old. Most Americans know him well as the man who ran the Federal Reserve for nearly 20 years, through four Presidents, historic prosperity, and he was witness to more than a few financial crises on his watch. {time} 1215 Often called the Maestro, he was confirmed as Fed Chairman on August 11, 1987, just 2 months before Black Monday, the largest single-day percentage decline in market history. The next morning, the Fed issued a one-sentence statement: ``The Federal Reserve, consistent with its responsibilities as the Nation's central bank, [[Page H2965]] affirmed today its readiness to serve as a source of liquidity to support the economic and financial system.'' It was short, calm, and unambiguous. Markets stabilized, and the crash did not become a depression. That was Greenspan: precise under pressure and deliberate when others were panicking. He went on to navigate the savings and loan crisis, the Gulf war recession, and the dot-com boom and bust. My best wishes for his centennial, and my best wishes to his family. ____________________